Gemeinschaftsmedizin und Gesundheitserziehung

Abstrakt

Aspects of Common Traditional Medical Practices Applied for Under-Five Children in Ethiopia, Oromia Region, Eastern-Harargie District, Dadar Woreda, 2011 G.C

Elias Ahmed Sadik, Tesfaye Gobena and Bizatu Mengistu

Traditional medical practices (TMPs) are widely used in Ethiopia. Among these, some of them may be harmful and others can be useful. The type and degree of the practices with their risks and benefits vary from place to place in the country requiring the need for researches. Thus, this study was conducted to investigate aspects of common TMPs applied for under-five children. Objectives: To identify the major pushing and pulling factors for the use of common traditional health practices for under-five children in the area, during, 2011 G.C. To rule out the health hazards of invasive traditional health practices which were applied as alternative options for under-five children. To point out the contribution of the most common traditional health practices applied for under-five children to the achievement of MDG 4. A cross-sectional study was conducted in Dadar woreda from January to April 2011. Data as collected mainly by using qualitative technique from 24 FGDs participants and 12 in-depth interview respondents using guiding questions and interview questionnaires. Data were analyzed by using SPSS v16 software. According to the study result, Uvulectomy, tonsillectomy, cauterization, milk tooth extraction, spiritual healing and herbal medicine provision are commonly used as a therapeutic purpose. Culture, availability of practitioners, relief response, cost and distance were reported as the main reasons for use of TMPs. This study result has reminded us of the fact that practicing invasive traditional practices was abusing the health rights of children and hindering the country from achieving MDG 4. Generally, some TMPs were harmful while others were useful from health science perspective. For example, “Huddufor” TMP that was identified by this study, is more harmful because of three reasons: 1) Insertion of green stick into anus is more stressful, 2) It repeatedly ulcerates anal region and causes bleeding, 3) The site is prone to develop infection and prolapsed rectal sphincter. Though it has been practiced as a healing practice was found to be a killing practice for children. On the other hand, oral rehydration solution (honey, water, lemon and salt) used by herbalist to treat diarrhea and Spiritual healer’s advices on personal and environmental hygiene to prevent evil attack need to be strengthened, while non-invasive practices were somewhat contributing positively. Finally, continuous and sustainable health education, integration of HEWs, Traditional practitioners, and religious leaders; Banning and Broadcasting information about HTHPs, Strong political leadership, community mobilization and involvement as well as further cross sectional to determine perception of the communities toward use of HTHPs and analytical studies for safety and efficacy of important medicinal plants for conservation are recommended.